Barriers and facilitators to access and care in services for children with autism spectrum disorder in Newfoundland

Hurley, Laura (2019) Barriers and facilitators to access and care in services for children with autism spectrum disorder in Newfoundland. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This thesis uses thematic analysis and a Complex Cultural Nesting theory to assess the perspectives of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder as well as the service providers as they try to navigate through the healthcare and education system in Newfoundland, Canada. These journeys were explored through interviews with a range of participants in a one to one setting, thus providing rich and specific experiential data. The main barriers discovered were frustrations in the diagnostic process, difficulty accessing and understanding services within the healthcare and education systems, and struggles with the applied behavioural analysis therapy. Main facilitators included having a knowledgeable and supportive family physician, family support, and service provider communication and collaboration. Major recommendations focus on increasing the number of experienced providers in the province and increasing specific autism training for service providers (in the healthcare and education system).

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